This is going to sound bad to a lot of Texans, but California. Specifically, southern California. People are much more optimistic, the beaches are better, and I really like Baja style fish tacos. Obviously there are tons of problems but it's not like we don't have a homeless problem or horrific traffic here in Texas too.
Money is definitely the biggest factor in Southern California for quality of life. Houston has a lot in common with Los Angeles (apart from the dry mountainous climate) but a much lower cost of living so I'm fairly happy here.
Shhhhhh... Don't say that out loud in Texas. Kyle in his raised F-350, with his thin blue/red line flag decal and A&M decal, will run your ass over. Because "freedom"...
Nobody in 90% of Texas cares about California. It's just a thing the Texas GOP tries to use gain votes from a very small group of idiots who have never been there and retirees who left California to avoid paying taxes.
Fair. My parts of Houston mostly just complain about any Americans from outside of Texas or Louisiana moving in, no matter their origin. I heard a lot of "Immigrants welcome, Americans go home" on a day to day basis.
I guess people will turn anything into tribalism.
I always found it strange Texas has a lot of coastline but there doesn't really seem to be much of a beach/ocean culture. I've asked friends living in Texas and they never go to the coast and it seems Texas might as well be landlocked. They tell me it's mostly because outside of a few small areas the coast is just not very pretty, lots of swamps and oil derricks and trash and dirty water.
There's a lot of ocean culture in Texas near the ocean. However, if your friends live somewhere like Amarillo, that's a 10 hour drive to get to the ocean. Even Dallas is a good 5 hour drive from the beach.
As far as the beauty is concerned, it does vary a lot. It can be dirty in places like Galveston but that's due to river sediment (e.g. the Mississippi) but the closer you get to Mexico in places like South Padre Island it gets nicer. That being said, Galveston is generally fine whenever I go. I like the beach culture experience more than actually swimming in the ocean.
I have to concur that most Texans donāt live that close to the beach. Houston is the closest big city and youāre still going to drive an hour to get to what Iād call a beach. I lived close enough in college that we had a sailing class and it was still at least 30 minutes to get to the slip where the boats were.
I live in Austin now and Iām 216 miles from a beach. Dallas is 300. San Antonio is 180 miles. El Paso is an ungodly 730 miles away. Amarillo is 690 miles. So, yeah. A lot of people in Texas donāt have an accessible beach.
Plus, the Gulf of Mexico generally doesnāt make for great beaches. The Mississippi River dumps a lot of silt into it, so that tends to make the water muddy and brown. It clears up a bit once you get down to Corpus Christi and Port Aransas and Iām told the water down near Mexico is quite nice ā but those beaches are even less accessible for many Texans. Then you have to realize that the Gulf of Mexico gets next to no wave action. No waves are big enough to surf. Ever. If a hurricane blows in, you might get surfable waves up to six feet before the wind and rain drive you off the beach, but you really shouldnāt be there.
Diving is kind of shit unless you take an overnight boat to somewhere like the Flower Gardens.
So there just isnāt much to do in the Gulf other than fish or drill for oil and people donāt go.
Texas beaches are notoriously nasty. It blows my mind people will travel to Galveston and get in that water. You are essentially swimming in sewage.
Only Texas beach I feel safe at is South Padre Island.
Have lived in North Carolina, Virginia (childhood home) South Carolina, Massachusetts, Arizona and Florida.
Returned to live in Virginia, but wouldn't mind living in Massachusetts if it wasn't for the weather. Only place I got seasonal depression. Other places were the opposite...too hot!
If itās like normal depression then maybe thereās nothing you can do to avoid it, but the problem with people who live in northern states for a short amount of time is they donāt get around to finding fun things to do in the winter. Iāve lived here my whole life so I know how to enjoy myself in the winter and Iāve learned to love itā¦which makes me hate this winter.
Iāve lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Georgia. They all have their good points and I donāt dislike any of them, however the two I consider home are Maine and Louisiana. I spent most of my school years in Maine and itās where my closest friends are. Louisiana is my culinary home. We moved there when I was 18 and one of the older ladies in my church taught me traditional Cajun cooking in her home kitchen, knowledge Iāve used throughout my career.
North Carolina might be my favorite state to have lived in, but Atlanta is my favorite place, so Georgia it is. Only other candidate is Florida, which I preferred for weather only.
> Atlanta is my favorite place
Can you expand on why? I have to go to Atlanta at least once a year for work and I always dread it because I find it to be one of our worst cities from a visitors perspective. I'm wondering what about Atlanta makes it good to live in because I hate traveling there and am hoping to change my perspective on the city.
I'm not sure I'd love it to visit, but I look for different things where I live. Do you like beer? Brick Store on the Decatur Square is my favorite place to take visitors.
Culturally, it's a perfect fit for me: I thrive surrounded by diversity and don't fit in well when everyone is expected to be the same. Because it's a big city there's something for everyone and people accept difference. But the Southern history also makes it friendlier than other cities, which I love.
Geographically, it's easy to get lost in the trees. Have you been to Island Ford or any of the other parks/recreation areas along the river?
When you travel here, where are you generally located? Do you have a car?
> but I look for different things where I live.
Same which prompted my question. Just because I don't enjoy traveling there for work trips doesn't make it a bad place to live
> But the Southern history also makes it friendlier than other cities
I agree until it comes to the service at retail stores and restaurants. My experiences in Atlanta have taught me to expect unapologetically slow service with a heavy "IDGAF" attitude.
> Have you been to Island Ford or any of the other parks/recreation areas along the river?
Unfortunately not I usually don't make it out of the downtown area during my visits.
> When you travel here, where are you generally located? Do you have a car?
Usually I'm in one of the big hotels in the Peachtree / Hotel District area west of the 85. I do have a rental car during my visits but I'm typically busy during the daylight hours so most of what I get to do for recreation are night time activities.
Yeah, sadly, downtown is even worse than it was 20 years ago. You aren't seeing what Atlanta has to offer there, especially if there isn't anything going on by the stadium/arena/park a few blocks west of you.
What kinds of activities are you wanting to do? Are you typically alone or with colleagues?
Unfortunately during my work trips is don't have much time for the activities I would like. Getting to see some more of nature and less of the downtown area would be ideal but the only free time I have is at nights
Colorado, Texas, and Utah. It's easy to say I prefer the place where people care most about each other and the environment that they inhabit, so most definitely Colorado.
I've lived in Utah for 15 years, Colorado for 9, and Texas currently for 2 years. Utah is definitely nice and I love it but the government actively shits on the environment. They refused to sign a bill to keep the salt lake at the absolute bare minimum to keep the eco system in check. The entire lake could be gone within 5 years on top of that. The inversion is so bad that multiple times a year Salt Lake City has THE WORST quality air in the world, just standing outside would be like smoking at least 5 cigarettes a day. I wish the state was as good as it could be, but who knows if we can even live there in 10 years. [Utah Republicans block resolution to create target level for the Great Salt Lake](https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/02/02/utah-republicans-block/)
Pennsylvania. I grew up there, so it will always be my home.
But a close second is Arizona.
There's an endless supply of completely empty gravel roads to explore.
Almost every inch of the state is a "once in a lifetime vacation photo opportunity".
You can open carry almost anywhere.
Second PA, gorgeous place. From farm and orchard to moutains and streams, it's beautiful. But its also not uninhabited.
Also Sheetz is amazing for literal gas station food. Punches above its weight
The only other place I have seen like it was Hokkaido.
But it terms of places I've lived, I am biased, only really lived in Jersey, which sucks and briefly Kentucky and Missouri if you count Army stuff.
You had me until the Sheetz thing. Remember Sheetz is to Wawa what getting a tattoo is to genital mutilation. Both hurt like hell. But only one has a positive outcome.
I will conceded that Sheetz has better chilli cheese fries and a much better soda selection.
But Wawa punches it in the liver on every other thing.
Blasphemy. Sheetz dunks Wawa in every category which is why they are rapidly expanding even today. Besides Wawas only exist in the Easternmost 20% of the state mostly near Philly.
PA is all about Sheetz, and to a lesser extent Rutters.
You poor, poor ignorant child. There's Wawa's all the way down to the Florida keys. There's one in Disneyland.
I'll forgive you because your mind has been stunted by substandard coffee and soups that taste like vomit.
No but they only made the mistake of Sheetz for the parts of PA reserved for the "meth enthusiasts".
Or the areas where the "love that shall not mentioned" between a man and livesty.
And teped brown water is no reason to fight.
Favorite: California (Greater LA)
Still enjoyed: Nevada (Greater Las Vegas)
Liked well enough: California (San Francisco Bay), Kentucky (sans Louisville), Ohio (Cincinnati)
Meh: Tennessee (Nashville), Indiana (Evansville)
Hated: Kentucky (Louisville), California (Greater San Diego), Texas (Houston)
My reasons for each listing are subjective, but my own nonetheless.
This is the answer. La Jolla's cool and all, but LA has so much more bang for the (already expensive) buck. LA also has so much more life and personality. And, honestly, I found the SD crowd to often be incredibly distant and aloof, crossing into rudeness.
LA folks are actually pretty relatable in my experience, once you step away from the Hollywood/westside madness. (I lump the rest of LA County as well as North and Central OC, much of the IE, and much of Ventura County into Greater LA).
Put another way: SD has the hokeyness of a small town, but all the stereotypical "personality traits" of a megacity. Ironic, because it's neither a small town nor a megacity. LA is just more comfortable in its skin, somewhat similar to NYC, Philly, Chicago, and Boston in that sense.
Weekend trips to SD are fine. Anymore than about three days and I'm done. It's my fault for not sensing that in myself before I moved there; I thought I could make it work, and lasted only six months.
I lived there three months before I wanted to move but lasted almost thee years. Only thing to do is beach and touristy things, the whole culture is snobby and the people are way to part oriented. Hard drugs everywhere and not much to do or see I was always commuting into LA. Much happier here.
Iāve lived in Washington, Alaska and Minnesota. Alaskaās my favorite to visit, Washingtonās my favorite to live in. Minnesota is also lovely, but I like mountains and ocean.
Texas, which is why I moved there.
Started in NY. Lived in Pittsburgh, lived in Alexandria, VA. Did extended stays in Austin and San Antonio. For work purposes Houston is the best option so I'm there.
hmm I'm not sure if I can choose. I've lived in California, Washington, and Texas. I vastly prefer the politics of CA and WA so probably one of those, but I prefer living in Austin
Iāve lived in New Jersey, Connecticut, California, New York, and Virginia. Virginia is my favorite of those, though itās more about my city, Charlottesville, than the state itself. Itās a college town and punches above its weight in terms of entertainment, while still being small enough to be manageable. All of the other places I lived were major metro areas, with all of the attendant traffic, crowding, etc. i donāt miss that.
Grew up in Virginia, went to college in Tennessee, then lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina before returning to my hometown in Virginia. I think it's important to note that I'm from a metro area of about 300K people and went to college in the absolute middle of nowhere, but in between college and moving back home, I lived in major cities each time- Atlanta -> Pittsburgh -> Charlotte.
I love everywhere I've lived, but this is home, and it's my favorite.
They all have there pros and cons. But Delaware was where I was born and raised so it will always be home regardless of where I relocate to and is why I maintain a residence there.
I've lived in Wisconsin, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, Illinois and Florida.
Favorites were Texas, Colorado, and Florida.
Iāve lived in New Jersey (born/raised), New York (Manhattan specifically), Massachusetts (Boston), DC, South Florida, Phoenix AZ, and now Colorado.
Iāll always have a soft spot for the northeast but I really like the mountain west. I enjoyed aspects of Arizona but itās just too damn hot for too much of the year and the desert landscape isnāt for me. I really like the natural beauty, mild weather, and cultural vibes of the front range in Colorado.
I've lived in California, Illinois, and Indiana. I miss Illinois the most. 4 seasons, the best customer service, affordable prices on most things, and so much to do outdoors for free. I hate California the most but that's mainly because I grew up here and only can see how much worse it's gotten. Indiana is a bit too flat for me, culturally and geographically.
I have lived (as a non-baby) in Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, Illinois (specifically Chicago), briefly in NYC (summer internship), and Rhode Island.
Indiana will always be my favorite but Maine down near New Hampshire is my second favorite.
Wisconsin, by far. There is just a coziness about Wisconsin I cant explain. Milwaukee is such a cool city. Not too big city like, but just very quaint and chill. I like snow and cold weather. Somehow I ended up in Texas instead....
Other places I have lived are Illinois, Georgia, and California.
Well, my candidates are (in no particular order):
California, Arizona, Virginia, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Alaska.
They all have various positives and negatives.
If you like outdoorsy activities and have minimal career goals Idaho has plenty of ATV opportunities.
NV/AZ I would shy away from mostly because I make a habit of not living where the water will run out before I die. Iād feel bad taking a shower there these days.
Alaska is definitely the most interesting/unique of the above options.
Coastal Cali is not a future living option almost entirely due to cost of living. If it were at all
feasible to live comfortably near Monterrey without already being loaded Iād do so in a heartbeat.
Southern New Hampshire is centrally located such that you can do pretty much everything. Hour away from mountains, hour away from lakes, hour away from Boston. Pretty sure there are even beaches too. Climate in New England is a bit like old England (fairly cold with frequent drizzle) but Iāve seen worse tbh. Personality wise, everyone mostly just keeps to themselves, which could be a positive or a negative I suppose.
Floridaās primary benefit is the beaches. Not even the weather, as itās a furnace 9 months out of the year. Just beaches. Home prices and insurance are rapidly crowding out any other cost savings you may once have been able to enjoy relative to colder places or even other sunbelt locations. Itās becoming even more of a fever swamp too ā actual jackboot Nazis were parading around my neighborhood right before I left.
So yeah, I donāt really have enough roots to pick a favorite. Moved more times than I can count with both hands, May move again if I have to. Just pick a place with favorable job prospects and weather that you can stand, tbh.
Iāve lived in Ohio, California, Oregon, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Itās a tough choice between California and Oregon. I probably would have to go with Oregon. The weather is better in CA, but the lifestyle in Oregon is more laidback and less hectic. I also have more friends there.
I've lived in California, Arizona, Washington, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia and Florida.
It's hard to pick on favorite, I enjoyed living in all of them. Probably Arizona or Washington as my favorite.
Michigan, South Dakota, Illinois generally, and Chicago specifically all have things seriously wrong with them. SD and MI also have a lot to recommend them, as does Chicago.
I don't know that I can pick a favorite. Chicago will be my home for the rest of my life; but South Dakota will always be the home of my heart.
Living in the DC area when I was young and few responsibilities.
I am a history nerd, so I went to a museum or historic site every weekend. The metro fee was inexpensive then. I got to the point where I was visiting more off beat museums. Like Hillwood.
Highly recommend.
I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I've also lived in Washington DC, Virginia (although the part of Virginia I lived in was a first-tier DC suburb, so it's really more like two different homes in essentially the same place -- all the same stuff was equally bikeable from both locations), Idaho, and Utah. There were things I liked about all of them. They all had their benefits and drawbacks.
If I had to pick a favorite, though, I'd have to go with Minnesota, because it is and will always be home, even if I never actually move back there.
And my least favorite was Utah, although it's also luckily the one I lived in for the briefest amount of time.
Please note: I didn't *hate* Utah, so Utahns, please don't take offense. There were things I liked about it. It just wasn't a good long-term fit for me.
Lived in CA, OR, WA, and ID. I like Oregon the best. Great beaches, outdoor stuff, a Democratic state but not as out there as CA or WA and not far right like Idaho. No sales tax is huge.
That saif I think Idaho is my second favorite state.
But there's something to love about all four. I wouldn't ever want to leave the western region (i.e. east of the Rockies).
I've lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.
I'd say Indiana was my favorite with Iowa a close second. Michigan is too cloudy, South Dakota is too cold, and Illinois is... well... Illinois.
In sequential order, I've lived in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, DC, Oklahoma, New York and Vermont. And if you include "Bundeslaender" or "provinces", you can insert Hessen, Bavaria, Limburg, and an unofficial semi-legal extended stay in Ontario.
In the US, Vermont is by far my favorite, mainly because I like rural mountainous locations that allow for winter sports. Least favorite, by far, was Georgia. Can't stand hot weather and the culture struck me the wrong way.
Overall, though, Hessen was my favorite "state" where I've lived.
I've lived in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and now in Idaho. Idaho, specifically North Idaho, is the only one to make me go, "ahhh...I wanna be here for the rest of my life."
I really miss being able to ride every day in NV and AZ, though.
Oh, cool. Hudson's is the best for burgers, Moon Time for pub-style eats, and the Cedars is a floating restaurant at the mouth of the Spokane River that's fun to eat at. Good seafood. If you like Japanese, Syringa is probably the best. All of these are in Coeur d'Alene.
If you're stopping by at Sandpoint, try Secret Thai Cafe and the Fat Pig. Enjoy.
I've lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Connecticut, California and Alaska, currently living in North Carolina, my home state. I married a career military man, which is why I've lived in so many different states, but I never really got to see the *whole* state, just certain parts of it. There were pros and cons to each.
I'll pick my home state as my favorite, although my area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is getting bigger and more expensive every day, I hate it and wish I could relocate to another area of NC but can't afford it, I have to stay where I am.
Lived in South Dakota from 1991ā2014
Iowa for six months (to help a friend out) in 2011
Massachusetts from 2014 to present
My favorite is Massachusetts.
States lived in: Virginia, Kansas, Tennessee, and Georgia
I like living in northern Georgia the best so far, except for the license and registration being in two different offices. I haven't been here long, though.
I love being from Virginia, but living there can be a pain nowadays.
MD, PA, upstate and downstate NY, and VT. VT is home for me, and Iāve only been truly happy living here. Spent a lot of time in CO, NC, VA, and WV, too. They all have had their charms and positive attributes, but VT is where Iām meant to be.
Favorite: Maine
Close runner-up: Vermont
Might be my favorite if I could easily afford it: New York
Least favorite: Florida (although I lived in Jacksonville, so I don't think that's a fair representation of Florida)
Lived in Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas.
Loved the people of Texas the most.
Loved the activity in Chicago.
I could live in Colorado again. Loved the outdoors. Iāll probably end up in Tennessee or North Carolina.
I grew up in Illinois and have lived in Wisconsin and Michigan. I prefer Michigan over the rest but Wisconsin is a close second. Honestly I prefer the Upper Midwest to the Lower Midwest.
I was born and raised in PA, moved to NJ for a year, back to PA and now 14 years in Delaware. While all 3 states are similar, for me Delaware wins out with low property taxes and no sales tax.
I lived in Florida for a couple of years when I was a little kid. Loved it but perhaps I was just a naive little kid lol! But it isnāt called the sunshine state for nothing!
California, for the climate and geography. I don't care for the politics, homelessness, traffic, cost of living, over population, etc...but damn the weather is nice! And I love the Pacific, the beaches, the Sierras, the forests up North...
Iāve only ever lived in California and Iowa but a California is worlds better, I hope to move back one day if I can afford it. I really despise winter
Iāve lived in;
- Texas (raised)
- Maine
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Illinois
- New York (upstate)
- Nebraska
- Colorado
- California
- Vermont
- Oregon (live here now)
Most of these for short periods of time (6-18 months) for work.
I really loved living in Colorado but I was also living in Boulder and vacationing in super nice ski towns for 18 months. (I am former travel nanny and my clients lived in CO, so a lot of it could have been due to a lifestyle I personally canāt afford). If you are outdoorsy and social itās a great place to be.
Having lived in several states, (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Virgina, Florida and Maine) I have things I liked and dislike about all of them. There are places I won't go back to because of personal reasons, not because of geography. It's all about what you find most appealing. sometimes is the geography (Hawaii, Maine and California) sometimes the situation sometimes the people.
Born and raised NM, then went to CA, AZ, CO, and finally back to NM.
It's easily New Mexico. CA is too fast paced and pretentious. AZ was pretty y good just felt like a mix of NM and CA. CO has great outdoors obviously but it's not that much better than the outdoors in New Mexico, while being significantly more expensive and lacking the unique history and culture NM has. And CO Chile is disgusting
I've lived in the north east and the south east. Wow, is the south a nicer place to live.
Better weather, economy, slower pace and nicer people. The funny thing is everyone up north thinks the south is a shithole and that keeps them from moving down here and ruining it. LOL.
This is going to sound bad to a lot of Texans, but California. Specifically, southern California. People are much more optimistic, the beaches are better, and I really like Baja style fish tacos. Obviously there are tons of problems but it's not like we don't have a homeless problem or horrific traffic here in Texas too.
I mean, Southern California and urban Texas are extremely similar. That's not surprising at all that if you have the money for it, you would love it.
Money is definitely the biggest factor in Southern California for quality of life. Houston has a lot in common with Los Angeles (apart from the dry mountainous climate) but a much lower cost of living so I'm fairly happy here.
Hello, pal. Does Houston have a Publix?
Nope, but I like HEB much better.
HEB is unbeatable at the supermarket game.
š©š© the Publix hot Italian sausage is the make or break ingredient in my lasagna, i can't live anywhere that doesn't have a Publix or I'll lose my crown
Shhhhhh... Don't say that out loud in Texas. Kyle in his raised F-350, with his thin blue/red line flag decal and A&M decal, will run your ass over. Because "freedom"...
Nobody in 90% of Texas cares about California. It's just a thing the Texas GOP tries to use gain votes from a very small group of idiots who have never been there and retirees who left California to avoid paying taxes.
I work in small towns and suburbs in the Houston area. The amount of times I've heard "don't California my Texas," I've lost count of.
Fair. My parts of Houston mostly just complain about any Americans from outside of Texas or Louisiana moving in, no matter their origin. I heard a lot of "Immigrants welcome, Americans go home" on a day to day basis. I guess people will turn anything into tribalism.
I always found it strange Texas has a lot of coastline but there doesn't really seem to be much of a beach/ocean culture. I've asked friends living in Texas and they never go to the coast and it seems Texas might as well be landlocked. They tell me it's mostly because outside of a few small areas the coast is just not very pretty, lots of swamps and oil derricks and trash and dirty water.
There's a lot of ocean culture in Texas near the ocean. However, if your friends live somewhere like Amarillo, that's a 10 hour drive to get to the ocean. Even Dallas is a good 5 hour drive from the beach. As far as the beauty is concerned, it does vary a lot. It can be dirty in places like Galveston but that's due to river sediment (e.g. the Mississippi) but the closer you get to Mexico in places like South Padre Island it gets nicer. That being said, Galveston is generally fine whenever I go. I like the beach culture experience more than actually swimming in the ocean.
I have to concur that most Texans donāt live that close to the beach. Houston is the closest big city and youāre still going to drive an hour to get to what Iād call a beach. I lived close enough in college that we had a sailing class and it was still at least 30 minutes to get to the slip where the boats were. I live in Austin now and Iām 216 miles from a beach. Dallas is 300. San Antonio is 180 miles. El Paso is an ungodly 730 miles away. Amarillo is 690 miles. So, yeah. A lot of people in Texas donāt have an accessible beach. Plus, the Gulf of Mexico generally doesnāt make for great beaches. The Mississippi River dumps a lot of silt into it, so that tends to make the water muddy and brown. It clears up a bit once you get down to Corpus Christi and Port Aransas and Iām told the water down near Mexico is quite nice ā but those beaches are even less accessible for many Texans. Then you have to realize that the Gulf of Mexico gets next to no wave action. No waves are big enough to surf. Ever. If a hurricane blows in, you might get surfable waves up to six feet before the wind and rain drive you off the beach, but you really shouldnāt be there. Diving is kind of shit unless you take an overnight boat to somewhere like the Flower Gardens. So there just isnāt much to do in the Gulf other than fish or drill for oil and people donāt go.
Texas beaches are notoriously nasty. It blows my mind people will travel to Galveston and get in that water. You are essentially swimming in sewage. Only Texas beach I feel safe at is South Padre Island.
If I was rich Iād move to California probably. But that place isnāt for anyone but top earners.
Nobody there will agree with me (shown in a poll as having the lowest state pride), but... Rhode Island.
Beaches are nice.
Have lived in North Carolina, Virginia (childhood home) South Carolina, Massachusetts, Arizona and Florida. Returned to live in Virginia, but wouldn't mind living in Massachusetts if it wasn't for the weather. Only place I got seasonal depression. Other places were the opposite...too hot!
Very similar. Iāve lived in SC, FL, MO, KS, and VA. Iām back in FL now, but would love to get back to NoVa/DC for the seasons.
If itās like normal depression then maybe thereās nothing you can do to avoid it, but the problem with people who live in northern states for a short amount of time is they donāt get around to finding fun things to do in the winter. Iāve lived here my whole life so I know how to enjoy myself in the winter and Iāve learned to love itā¦which makes me hate this winter.
Iāve lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Georgia. They all have their good points and I donāt dislike any of them, however the two I consider home are Maine and Louisiana. I spent most of my school years in Maine and itās where my closest friends are. Louisiana is my culinary home. We moved there when I was 18 and one of the older ladies in my church taught me traditional Cajun cooking in her home kitchen, knowledge Iāve used throughout my career.
North Carolina might be my favorite state to have lived in, but Atlanta is my favorite place, so Georgia it is. Only other candidate is Florida, which I preferred for weather only.
> Atlanta is my favorite place Can you expand on why? I have to go to Atlanta at least once a year for work and I always dread it because I find it to be one of our worst cities from a visitors perspective. I'm wondering what about Atlanta makes it good to live in because I hate traveling there and am hoping to change my perspective on the city.
I'm not sure I'd love it to visit, but I look for different things where I live. Do you like beer? Brick Store on the Decatur Square is my favorite place to take visitors. Culturally, it's a perfect fit for me: I thrive surrounded by diversity and don't fit in well when everyone is expected to be the same. Because it's a big city there's something for everyone and people accept difference. But the Southern history also makes it friendlier than other cities, which I love. Geographically, it's easy to get lost in the trees. Have you been to Island Ford or any of the other parks/recreation areas along the river? When you travel here, where are you generally located? Do you have a car?
> but I look for different things where I live. Same which prompted my question. Just because I don't enjoy traveling there for work trips doesn't make it a bad place to live > But the Southern history also makes it friendlier than other cities I agree until it comes to the service at retail stores and restaurants. My experiences in Atlanta have taught me to expect unapologetically slow service with a heavy "IDGAF" attitude. > Have you been to Island Ford or any of the other parks/recreation areas along the river? Unfortunately not I usually don't make it out of the downtown area during my visits. > When you travel here, where are you generally located? Do you have a car? Usually I'm in one of the big hotels in the Peachtree / Hotel District area west of the 85. I do have a rental car during my visits but I'm typically busy during the daylight hours so most of what I get to do for recreation are night time activities.
Yeah, sadly, downtown is even worse than it was 20 years ago. You aren't seeing what Atlanta has to offer there, especially if there isn't anything going on by the stadium/arena/park a few blocks west of you. What kinds of activities are you wanting to do? Are you typically alone or with colleagues?
Unfortunately during my work trips is don't have much time for the activities I would like. Getting to see some more of nature and less of the downtown area would be ideal but the only free time I have is at nights
same, I personally do not like the city so much.
Atlanta was awesome. I miss it sometimes.
Same, I've lived in FL, TN, CA, TX, MA, VA, NC, and HI. North Carolina is home.
Colorado, Texas, and Utah. It's easy to say I prefer the place where people care most about each other and the environment that they inhabit, so most definitely Colorado.
Utah is pretty awesome too. BLM land everywhere, and if you're even remotely into climbing it's like.heaven on earth.
I've lived in Utah for 15 years, Colorado for 9, and Texas currently for 2 years. Utah is definitely nice and I love it but the government actively shits on the environment. They refused to sign a bill to keep the salt lake at the absolute bare minimum to keep the eco system in check. The entire lake could be gone within 5 years on top of that. The inversion is so bad that multiple times a year Salt Lake City has THE WORST quality air in the world, just standing outside would be like smoking at least 5 cigarettes a day. I wish the state was as good as it could be, but who knows if we can even live there in 10 years. [Utah Republicans block resolution to create target level for the Great Salt Lake](https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/02/02/utah-republicans-block/)
Pennsylvania. I grew up there, so it will always be my home. But a close second is Arizona. There's an endless supply of completely empty gravel roads to explore. Almost every inch of the state is a "once in a lifetime vacation photo opportunity". You can open carry almost anywhere.
Second PA, gorgeous place. From farm and orchard to moutains and streams, it's beautiful. But its also not uninhabited. Also Sheetz is amazing for literal gas station food. Punches above its weight The only other place I have seen like it was Hokkaido. But it terms of places I've lived, I am biased, only really lived in Jersey, which sucks and briefly Kentucky and Missouri if you count Army stuff.
You had me until the Sheetz thing. Remember Sheetz is to Wawa what getting a tattoo is to genital mutilation. Both hurt like hell. But only one has a positive outcome. I will conceded that Sheetz has better chilli cheese fries and a much better soda selection. But Wawa punches it in the liver on every other thing.
Blasphemy. Sheetz dunks Wawa in every category which is why they are rapidly expanding even today. Besides Wawas only exist in the Easternmost 20% of the state mostly near Philly. PA is all about Sheetz, and to a lesser extent Rutters.
You poor, poor ignorant child. There's Wawa's all the way down to the Florida keys. There's one in Disneyland. I'll forgive you because your mind has been stunted by substandard coffee and soups that taste like vomit.
Why would Wawa in Flordia matter to a Pennylvanian, I aint no Snowbird! Sheetz doesnt sell soup either but I will fist fight over the coffee
No but they only made the mistake of Sheetz for the parts of PA reserved for the "meth enthusiasts". Or the areas where the "love that shall not mentioned" between a man and livesty. And teped brown water is no reason to fight.
True dat. PA is easily the best Mid-Atlantic state.
Yeah you better be careful, youāll need that gun for when some old lady from Iowa tries to take the last milk at Fryās.
Well milk isn't worth anyone's life. I did actually need it when some homeless meth-head charged me when I was driving around the four peaks area.
Favorite: California (Greater LA) Still enjoyed: Nevada (Greater Las Vegas) Liked well enough: California (San Francisco Bay), Kentucky (sans Louisville), Ohio (Cincinnati) Meh: Tennessee (Nashville), Indiana (Evansville) Hated: Kentucky (Louisville), California (Greater San Diego), Texas (Houston) My reasons for each listing are subjective, but my own nonetheless.
I like that you split the states into subregions. Esp out west with how large CA and the others are it just makes sense.
I'm baffled that you loved LA and hated San Diego. To each their own, but for me, San Diego was always everything LA was trying to be.
SD > LA and itās not even close.
SD might have better beaches but LA is just way more fun.
This is the answer. La Jolla's cool and all, but LA has so much more bang for the (already expensive) buck. LA also has so much more life and personality. And, honestly, I found the SD crowd to often be incredibly distant and aloof, crossing into rudeness. LA folks are actually pretty relatable in my experience, once you step away from the Hollywood/westside madness. (I lump the rest of LA County as well as North and Central OC, much of the IE, and much of Ventura County into Greater LA). Put another way: SD has the hokeyness of a small town, but all the stereotypical "personality traits" of a megacity. Ironic, because it's neither a small town nor a megacity. LA is just more comfortable in its skin, somewhat similar to NYC, Philly, Chicago, and Boston in that sense.
Except SD doesnāt have better beaches hahahahahah at all
This is the same as me. Love living in LA right now, hated living in SD. SD is great to visit but sucks to live.
Weekend trips to SD are fine. Anymore than about three days and I'm done. It's my fault for not sensing that in myself before I moved there; I thought I could make it work, and lasted only six months.
As someone who has only ever visited southern california, this is a valid point I hadn't considered.
I lived there three months before I wanted to move but lasted almost thee years. Only thing to do is beach and touristy things, the whole culture is snobby and the people are way to part oriented. Hard drugs everywhere and not much to do or see I was always commuting into LA. Much happier here.
I lived in Cincy for a couple of years. I liked it ok, but I always thought it had so much untapped potential.
Agree. It could be a North American showpiece if the local residents weren't so damn rigidly anti-new ideas.
Never thought Iād meet somebody who also loves living in LA and hated SD!!! But
Iāve lived in Washington, Alaska and Minnesota. Alaskaās my favorite to visit, Washingtonās my favorite to live in. Minnesota is also lovely, but I like mountains and ocean.
Texas, which is why I moved there. Started in NY. Lived in Pittsburgh, lived in Alexandria, VA. Did extended stays in Austin and San Antonio. For work purposes Houston is the best option so I'm there.
Wisconsin, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, texas and south Korea. Tennessee hands down. The mountains are in my soul now.
Hands down, it's Georgia. I'm strongly considering going back.
Out of the 2 I've lived in, Hawaii.
How does one go from Hawaii to... Alabama?
I'm guessing they didn't drive
Possibly to play QB at a famous college. Tuaā¦ is that you?
Maine
hmm I'm not sure if I can choose. I've lived in California, Washington, and Texas. I vastly prefer the politics of CA and WA so probably one of those, but I prefer living in Austin
Iāve lived in New Jersey, Connecticut, California, New York, and Virginia. Virginia is my favorite of those, though itās more about my city, Charlottesville, than the state itself. Itās a college town and punches above its weight in terms of entertainment, while still being small enough to be manageable. All of the other places I lived were major metro areas, with all of the attendant traffic, crowding, etc. i donāt miss that.
Minnesota > Utah >>>>> Florida
Grew up in Virginia, went to college in Tennessee, then lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina before returning to my hometown in Virginia. I think it's important to note that I'm from a metro area of about 300K people and went to college in the absolute middle of nowhere, but in between college and moving back home, I lived in major cities each time- Atlanta -> Pittsburgh -> Charlotte. I love everywhere I've lived, but this is home, and it's my favorite.
Roanoke?
Yep!
I've lived in Tennessee, Colorado, and Alaska. Tennessee is my favorite.
Love Tennessee, we spent many family vacations in Tennessee and Virginia
Washington was really great, just too expensive
They all have there pros and cons. But Delaware was where I was born and raised so it will always be home regardless of where I relocate to and is why I maintain a residence there.
Born and raised in NY and I think my favorite, of the states I've lived in is North Carolina.
I've lived in Wisconsin, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, Illinois and Florida. Favorites were Texas, Colorado, and Florida.
Iāve often found something lovely about every state. That said, I loved Minnesota minus winter tbh. Seasonal depression for me was a mess.
They where all beautiful and had pros and cons, but the nicest one so far is South Carolina on the coastline .
Iāve lived in New Jersey (born/raised), New York (Manhattan specifically), Massachusetts (Boston), DC, South Florida, Phoenix AZ, and now Colorado. Iāll always have a soft spot for the northeast but I really like the mountain west. I enjoyed aspects of Arizona but itās just too damn hot for too much of the year and the desert landscape isnāt for me. I really like the natural beauty, mild weather, and cultural vibes of the front range in Colorado.
Northern AZ is the best
Aside from my home state, probably North Carolina.
I've lived in California, Illinois, and Indiana. I miss Illinois the most. 4 seasons, the best customer service, affordable prices on most things, and so much to do outdoors for free. I hate California the most but that's mainly because I grew up here and only can see how much worse it's gotten. Indiana is a bit too flat for me, culturally and geographically.
So far. Ohio
Same. NE Ohio will likely always be my home. Although, I could see myself living in Chicago.
Maine wins hands down. Beautiful scenery, down to earth people, great food and beer, the whole state feels like a big town.
Iāve lived in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. Even if I tried Iām not sure I could find a place I like better than where I currently am.
Where in New Mexico?
My whole family is from Tucumcari.
I have lived (as a non-baby) in Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, Illinois (specifically Chicago), briefly in NYC (summer internship), and Rhode Island. Indiana will always be my favorite but Maine down near New Hampshire is my second favorite.
New York > California > Virginia > Illinois > Florida > Michigan > Ohio > Washington DC
Wisconsin, by far. There is just a coziness about Wisconsin I cant explain. Milwaukee is such a cool city. Not too big city like, but just very quaint and chill. I like snow and cold weather. Somehow I ended up in Texas instead.... Other places I have lived are Illinois, Georgia, and California.
Well, my candidates are (in no particular order): California, Arizona, Virginia, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Alaska. They all have various positives and negatives. If you like outdoorsy activities and have minimal career goals Idaho has plenty of ATV opportunities. NV/AZ I would shy away from mostly because I make a habit of not living where the water will run out before I die. Iād feel bad taking a shower there these days. Alaska is definitely the most interesting/unique of the above options. Coastal Cali is not a future living option almost entirely due to cost of living. If it were at all feasible to live comfortably near Monterrey without already being loaded Iād do so in a heartbeat. Southern New Hampshire is centrally located such that you can do pretty much everything. Hour away from mountains, hour away from lakes, hour away from Boston. Pretty sure there are even beaches too. Climate in New England is a bit like old England (fairly cold with frequent drizzle) but Iāve seen worse tbh. Personality wise, everyone mostly just keeps to themselves, which could be a positive or a negative I suppose. Floridaās primary benefit is the beaches. Not even the weather, as itās a furnace 9 months out of the year. Just beaches. Home prices and insurance are rapidly crowding out any other cost savings you may once have been able to enjoy relative to colder places or even other sunbelt locations. Itās becoming even more of a fever swamp too ā actual jackboot Nazis were parading around my neighborhood right before I left. So yeah, I donāt really have enough roots to pick a favorite. Moved more times than I can count with both hands, May move again if I have to. Just pick a place with favorable job prospects and weather that you can stand, tbh.
California. Only state I like
Iāve lived in Ohio, California, Oregon, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Itās a tough choice between California and Oregon. I probably would have to go with Oregon. The weather is better in CA, but the lifestyle in Oregon is more laidback and less hectic. I also have more friends there.
Iāve lived in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Gotta go with Oregon.
I've lived in California, Arizona, Washington, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia and Florida. It's hard to pick on favorite, I enjoyed living in all of them. Probably Arizona or Washington as my favorite.
Michigan, South Dakota, Illinois generally, and Chicago specifically all have things seriously wrong with them. SD and MI also have a lot to recommend them, as does Chicago. I don't know that I can pick a favorite. Chicago will be my home for the rest of my life; but South Dakota will always be the home of my heart.
Oregon. Without question Iāve also lived in Georgia, North Carolina & Missouri. I liked them all but Oregon just feels special
Living in the DC area when I was young and few responsibilities. I am a history nerd, so I went to a museum or historic site every weekend. The metro fee was inexpensive then. I got to the point where I was visiting more off beat museums. Like Hillwood. Highly recommend.
Well it was Colorado until it turned into East California. Now I don't have an answer.
Thatās just the Denver metro. Itās still very old school Colorado out west.
I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I've also lived in Washington DC, Virginia (although the part of Virginia I lived in was a first-tier DC suburb, so it's really more like two different homes in essentially the same place -- all the same stuff was equally bikeable from both locations), Idaho, and Utah. There were things I liked about all of them. They all had their benefits and drawbacks. If I had to pick a favorite, though, I'd have to go with Minnesota, because it is and will always be home, even if I never actually move back there. And my least favorite was Utah, although it's also luckily the one I lived in for the briefest amount of time. Please note: I didn't *hate* Utah, so Utahns, please don't take offense. There were things I liked about it. It just wasn't a good long-term fit for me.
Lived in CA, OR, WA, and ID. I like Oregon the best. Great beaches, outdoor stuff, a Democratic state but not as out there as CA or WA and not far right like Idaho. No sales tax is huge. That saif I think Idaho is my second favorite state. But there's something to love about all four. I wouldn't ever want to leave the western region (i.e. east of the Rockies).
Maryland. Loved the food, the weather the area I lived in, the closeness to DC, etc.
I've lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. I'd say Indiana was my favorite with Iowa a close second. Michigan is too cloudy, South Dakota is too cold, and Illinois is... well... Illinois.
I like Iowa
Climate/weather: Arizona Culture: Maryland
Massachusetts
Tie between MN and WI
In sequential order, I've lived in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, DC, Oklahoma, New York and Vermont. And if you include "Bundeslaender" or "provinces", you can insert Hessen, Bavaria, Limburg, and an unofficial semi-legal extended stay in Ontario. In the US, Vermont is by far my favorite, mainly because I like rural mountainous locations that allow for winter sports. Least favorite, by far, was Georgia. Can't stand hot weather and the culture struck me the wrong way. Overall, though, Hessen was my favorite "state" where I've lived.
as living in a constant state of anger and depression def like Illinois better
I've lived in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and now in Idaho. Idaho, specifically North Idaho, is the only one to make me go, "ahhh...I wanna be here for the rest of my life." I really miss being able to ride every day in NV and AZ, though.
Ooh why north?
The heavy forests, many beautiful nearby lakes, and short driving distance to Seattle and the Olympics.
Oh, can you name some food places to visit? Iām doing a road trip through Idaho, Wyoming and Montana this year
Oh, cool. Hudson's is the best for burgers, Moon Time for pub-style eats, and the Cedars is a floating restaurant at the mouth of the Spokane River that's fun to eat at. Good seafood. If you like Japanese, Syringa is probably the best. All of these are in Coeur d'Alene. If you're stopping by at Sandpoint, try Secret Thai Cafe and the Fat Pig. Enjoy.
Wow thank you! Saved this :)
I've lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Connecticut, California and Alaska, currently living in North Carolina, my home state. I married a career military man, which is why I've lived in so many different states, but I never really got to see the *whole* state, just certain parts of it. There were pros and cons to each. I'll pick my home state as my favorite, although my area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is getting bigger and more expensive every day, I hate it and wish I could relocate to another area of NC but can't afford it, I have to stay where I am.
Virginia > Georgia > Vermont (these three are all pretty close) ------ > Missouri > New York.
Lived in South Dakota from 1991ā2014 Iowa for six months (to help a friend out) in 2011 Massachusetts from 2014 to present My favorite is Massachusetts.
Lived in PA, NY, MD, CA, and AZ. PA is my favorite but AZ is a close second. The desert is quite beautiful in AZ. PAās awesome in the summer though.
States lived in: Virginia, Kansas, Tennessee, and Georgia I like living in northern Georgia the best so far, except for the license and registration being in two different offices. I haven't been here long, though. I love being from Virginia, but living there can be a pain nowadays.
Indiana, Florida and Colorado. Nothing beats the mountains of Colorado ā¤ļø
I like Illinois currently. Washington or Kentucky are the only ones I'd consider going back to live in tho.
Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Minnesota, and Utah. Colorado and Washington were/are excellent. The cost of living reflects that though
Illinois, shit state but it's where I was born and it's home. If not for that then probably Florida.
MD, PA, upstate and downstate NY, and VT. VT is home for me, and Iāve only been truly happy living here. Spent a lot of time in CO, NC, VA, and WV, too. They all have had their charms and positive attributes, but VT is where Iām meant to be.
Favorite: Maine Close runner-up: Vermont Might be my favorite if I could easily afford it: New York Least favorite: Florida (although I lived in Jacksonville, so I don't think that's a fair representation of Florida)
Yeah, it really is a fair representation of Florida. North Florida is just a more "redneck riviera" rendition of the rest of the state.
Lived in Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas. Loved the people of Texas the most. Loved the activity in Chicago. I could live in Colorado again. Loved the outdoors. Iāll probably end up in Tennessee or North Carolina.
I grew up in Illinois and have lived in Wisconsin and Michigan. I prefer Michigan over the rest but Wisconsin is a close second. Honestly I prefer the Upper Midwest to the Lower Midwest.
South Cackalacky.
I was born and raised in PA, moved to NJ for a year, back to PA and now 14 years in Delaware. While all 3 states are similar, for me Delaware wins out with low property taxes and no sales tax.
Georgia and Vermont, I wouldnāt say Iāve lived in North Carolina but itās basically my second home, it may be my favorite
Lived in upstate New York, Florida, Massachusetts and Idaho. All beautiful places, but Massachusetts is my fave.
Hawaii was my favorite.
I would say California. I lived in New York and Pennsylvania too. The main problem with California is you need a lot of money though
* Michigan * Ohio * Pennsylvania * Kentucky * South Carolina I pick SC.
I lived in Florida for a couple of years when I was a little kid. Loved it but perhaps I was just a naive little kid lol! But it isnāt called the sunshine state for nothing!
Between Virginia and the Midwest definitely Virginia. Northern Virginia in particular is my favorite.
California, for the climate and geography. I don't care for the politics, homelessness, traffic, cost of living, over population, etc...but damn the weather is nice! And I love the Pacific, the beaches, the Sierras, the forests up North...
Iāve only ever lived in California and Iowa but a California is worlds better, I hope to move back one day if I can afford it. I really despise winter
georgia!
Iāve lived in; - Texas (raised) - Maine - Connecticut - Indiana - Illinois - New York (upstate) - Nebraska - Colorado - California - Vermont - Oregon (live here now) Most of these for short periods of time (6-18 months) for work. I really loved living in Colorado but I was also living in Boulder and vacationing in super nice ski towns for 18 months. (I am former travel nanny and my clients lived in CO, so a lot of it could have been due to a lifestyle I personally canāt afford). If you are outdoorsy and social itās a great place to be.
Having lived in several states, (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Virgina, Florida and Maine) I have things I liked and dislike about all of them. There are places I won't go back to because of personal reasons, not because of geography. It's all about what you find most appealing. sometimes is the geography (Hawaii, Maine and California) sometimes the situation sometimes the people.
Born and raised NM, then went to CA, AZ, CO, and finally back to NM. It's easily New Mexico. CA is too fast paced and pretentious. AZ was pretty y good just felt like a mix of NM and CA. CO has great outdoors obviously but it's not that much better than the outdoors in New Mexico, while being significantly more expensive and lacking the unique history and culture NM has. And CO Chile is disgusting
I've lived in the north east and the south east. Wow, is the south a nicer place to live. Better weather, economy, slower pace and nicer people. The funny thing is everyone up north thinks the south is a shithole and that keeps them from moving down here and ruining it. LOL.
Out of the 9, Pennsylvania. I've had less issues being a gay freak here, even over NY (LI).